Chief Operating Officer – Semiconductor Manufacturing – Phoenix, AZ

Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Semiconductor Manufacturing – Phoenix, AZ

JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a pioneering leader in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Based in the thriving technology hub of Phoenix, Arizona, our client is at the forefront of developing next-generation semiconductor solutions that power the world’s most advanced technologies, from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to autonomous vehicles and 5G communications. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and steer the operational future of a company poised for exponential growth.

As the Chief Operating Officer, you will be the strategic architect and hands-on leader of all manufacturing and operational functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s global manufacturing strategy, supply chain management, quality assurance, and operational excellence initiatives. You will be tasked with scaling our client’s complex, high-volume manufacturing capabilities to meet surging global demand while simultaneously driving down costs, improving yields, and setting new benchmarks for quality and efficiency. This role requires a visionary leader who can not only manage the complexities of today’s semiconductor landscape but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring the operational infrastructure is robust, agile, and capable of supporting a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. You will be a key member of the C-suite, contributing to the overall corporate strategy and playing a pivotal role in the company’s long-term success and market leadership.

Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Semiconductor Manufacturing – Phoenix, AZ

Strategic Operational Leadership

Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive operational strategy that aligns with the company’s financial goals, market opportunities, and long-term vision. Collaborate with the executive team to set corporate objectives and drive strategic initiatives.

Manufacturing Excellence

Oversee all aspects of multi-site semiconductor manufacturing, including wafer fabrication (front-end), assembly, packaging, and testing (back-end). Implement and champion world-class manufacturing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM) to optimize cycle times, maximize asset utilization, and improve product yields.

End-to-End Supply Chain Management

Direct all global supply chain functions, including strategic sourcing, procurement, materials management, logistics, and demand planning. Build resilient and cost-effective supply chains, mitigate risks associated with geopolitical and market volatility, and foster strong, strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Your leadership will be critical in navigating the challenges in the global semiconductor supply chain .

World-Class Quality Assurance

Uphold and advance a culture of uncompromising quality across the organization. Ensure all products meet or exceed the most stringent industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949). Oversee robust quality control systems, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement processes to drive toward zero-defect manufacturing.

Financial & P&L Management

Assume full P&L responsibility for the operations division. Develop and manage the annual operations budget, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-control initiatives. Provide accurate forecasting and reporting to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Technology & Innovation Roadmap

Partner with R&D and Engineering leadership to drive the operational roadmap. Champion the evaluation and implementation of new manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 principles to create a competitive advantage and build the ‘factory of the future’.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Oversee the seamless transition of new products from design to high-volume manufacturing. Ensure that operational readiness, scalability, and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles are integrated early in the product development lifecycle.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, global team of operations professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Develop a robust talent pipeline and succession plans for key leadership roles within the operations organization.

Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability

Ensure all global operations comply with local, national, and international environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations. Champion sustainability initiatives and promote a ‘safety-first’ culture throughout all facilities.

Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Semiconductor Manufacturing – Phoenix, AZ

Educational Background

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field such as Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline is required. An MBA or other advanced degree in business or management is strongly preferred.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within the semiconductor manufacturing industry. At least 7-10 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., VP of Operations, General Manager, COO) with direct P&L responsibility for a large, complex manufacturing organization.

Technical Depth

Extensive, hands-on knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes, including both front-end-of-line (FEOL) and back-end-of-line (BEOL) operations. Deep familiarity with photolithography, etching, deposition, metrology, packaging, and test methodologies is essential.

Proven Track Record of Scaling

Demonstrated, quantifiable success in scaling manufacturing operations to support rapid revenue growth. Experience managing major capacity expansions, greenfield/brownfield projects, and technology transfers is highly desirable.

Operational Excellence Expertise

Master-level understanding and practical application of continuous improvement methodologies. Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is a significant asset. Proven ability to drive transformative improvements in key metrics such as yield, OEE, cycle time, and cost per wafer.

Strategic Acumen

Ability to think strategically and translate corporate goals into actionable operational plans. Experience presenting to and collaborating with a Board of Directors.

Leadership & Communication

Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire trust, build consensus, and motivate a high-performance team across multiple cultures and geographies. Impeccable written and verbal communication skills are mandatory.

Global Mindset

Experience managing a global operational footprint, including manufacturing sites and supply chain partners in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

Executive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (stock options and/or RSUs) designed to reward long-term value creation.

Health & Wellness

Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Retirement Savings

A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.

Relocation

A comprehensive executive relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Phoenix area.

Paid Time Off

A generous policy for paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays.

Professional Development

Support for continued executive education, attendance at key industry conferences, and membership in professional organizations.

Additional Perks

May include an executive car allowance, club memberships, and other perquisites commensurate with a C-level position.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential Chief Operating Officer engagement. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. To be considered, please apply directly through our portal. If you would like to learn more about our expertise in this domain, please visit our Technology & Semiconductor Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with the next operational leader for this industry-defining company.